Wales and Lions international Ryan Jones has been granted a testimonial year by the Ospreys in recognition of his services to the region.

The 31-year-old Jones has won 70 caps for Wales and captained the side to the 2008 Six Nations grand slam. He was also involved in the 2005 and 2012 grand slam sides and played all three Tests on the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand. In the November internationals he set a new record for captaincy appearances of 29 when he led out Warren Gatland's side against Samoa.

"It promises to be a wonderful and memorable year for not just me but for my family as well, who have been a big inspiration for me and have shared the highs and lows of my career," Jones said.

Jones has played 135 times for the Ospreys since joining them in 2004 and won four RaboDirect Pro12 titles and the 2008 Anglo-Welsh Cup. The Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal is his chosen charity for his testimonial year.

"Ryan is a wonderful servant to the Ospreys and his country and to rugby in general," Ospreys chief operating officer, Andrew Hore said. "His record speaks for itself; his achievements in the game are testament to the hard work and effort he puts in every day, constantly striving to improve.